Georgia Southern announces steps for FBS move

Statesboro, GA – The wheels are being readied for motion to take the Georgia Southern University football program to the Football Bowl Subdivision.

The prospect has been long rumored for a program that has won a record six Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) national titles.

GSU President Brooks Keel told the Statesboro Herald that the university is pursuing an eight-year, $36.6 million campaign over five phases to raise funds for such a move. Included is an increase of 18,000-seat Paulson Stadium by 6,300 seats and the construction of a 57,000-square-foot football operations center.

"There's no question it's where we want to go," Keel said of the potential move to the FBS.

A fundraising campaign has been in place since July 1 and has generated $5.1 million in cash and signed pledges, according to John Mulherin, president of the GSU Athletic Foundation.

Georgia Southern is a member of the Southern Conference. Appalachian State, another power in the SoCon, also is pursuing a move to the FBS.